Bycatch is a silent crisis beneath the waves 🌊 Every year, thousands of dolphins, seals, sharks & seabirds are accidentally caught and killed in fishing gear. On Wednesday 10th June, we’re hosting a parliamentary event to encourage MPs to learn more about bycatch and pledge to take action.

🚨 The UK’s way of life is increasingly under threat from climate change warns the Climate Change Committee in their latest report – “A Well-Adapted UK.” 🚨 Without urgent action, the continued disruption to homes, farming, infrastructure and wildlife across the country will intensify.

We’re excited to announce that award-winning journalist and environmental investigator Rachel Salvidge will be speaking at Wild Summit 🌍 At the Wild Summit, Rachel will be discussing water pollution, the fight for cleaner rivers and seas, and why the Clean Water Bill matters now more than ever.

We couldn’t be more excited to share that Dr Gemma Harper OBE, Chief Executive of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will be speaking at Wild Summit this September.

We'll see you there @plantlifeuk.bsky.social 👋 So many incredible organisations are coming to this year's Wild Summit, will you be joining? #WildSummit2026

Closing the de minimis loophole is critical if BNG is going to work for both nature and development. Read our joint blog with @thewildlifetrusts - Biodiversity Net Gain: Time to close the loophole, here: www.wildlifetrusts.org/blog/public-...

Today we celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, a voice that has inspired generations, including a member of our very own here at Wildlife & Countryside Link.

📢 The Environmental Audit Committee highlights the growing PFAS pollution crisis in the UK 📊 94% of English rivers exceed proposed safe limits 🐟 Fish contain up to 300x safe levels We back their call to: 🚫 Ban non-essential PFAS 💷 Make polluters pay Read more here: www.wcl.org.uk/cancer-linke...

Let’s finish what the Hunting Act started. With a consultation to close the door on the hunting of wildlife with dogs for good now open, we have a real opportunity to demand an effective ban that protects our wildlife from harm.

📣 Organisations across the sector are joining us at The Wild Summit! On 9th September, The Wildlife Trust's will be bringing their expert knowledge and running an exciting event at the summit. Will you be joining?

New Government plans for Biodiversity Net Gain are out, and there is some progress: We welcome: ✅ the confirmation that Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are happening ✅ the removal of self/custom build exemptions ✅ the exemption for nature recovery projects

Today the Environment Agency announced that water companies have paid £8.5 million in penalties which will be reinvested directly into restoring polluted or damaged rivers, lakes, and seas. But these penalties are still not big enough. Read our full response here: www.wcl.org.uk/penalties-ar...

We're pleased to share this piece from Phillip Box, Senior Policy Officer at Wildlife and Countryside Link, on why Biodiversity Net Gain must be strengthened, not weakened. 🍃 Read Philip's piece here: lcef.co.uk/blog/bng-and...

Golden eagles belong in England’s skies and their return would be a powerful step for nature’s recovery. But it cannot be done without real change. Habitats must be restored, threats must be tackled and the environment must be made safe again.

This year's big question: how can we achieve our goal of protecting 30% of our land and sea by 2030? Time is running out for nature.

📣#CleanWaterNow campaign update 📣 An amazing 30,000 emails have been sent to MP’s demanding clean water💧 Thank you for standing up for our rivers, lakes and seas. Haven’t taken action yet? Join the 30,000 by emailing your MP today 👇️ 🔗 wcl.org.uk/clean-water-...

£90m to protect England’s wildlife is a welcome step forward! From the smallest fungus to birds of prey overhead, every species matters – and with 16% at risk of extinction, we can’t afford to lose any more. Now is the moment to go further 🌿 Read more here: www.wcl.org.uk/from-the-hum...

Where do you go to see nature? 🌿 For some, it’s a river walk or a woodland nearby. But for so many it’s not an option at all. Hidden in our towns and cities are “brownfield” sites, often dismissed as unused land. But in reality, they are vital wildlife havens!

🌊 Clean water and a healthy environment are not luxuries, they’re basic rights The Environment Agency completed 10,000 health checks on the water network in the last year and uncovered over 3,000 permit condition breaches. This many breaches in one year show pollution is still business as usual.

The system is broken ❌️ 2025 was an extremely dry year, yet huge amounts of sewage were still polluting our rivers lakes and seas. These aren’t storm overflows; they’re all-weather wastepipes.

Good news for marine mammals 🐋 Today, a new bill has been introduced to Parliament to protect marine mammals from human disturbance. Seals, porpoises, and whales are currently vulnerable not just to harm, but to disruption that can put both animals and people at risk.

Nature = Future 🌍️ Our future depends on nature, it's time to stand up for it. That's why we're supporting @nationaltrust Nature = Future campaign.

Tune in on Sunday night to see ITV's shocking new documentary: In Our Blood: The Forever Chemicals Scandal. It will reveal alarming levels of forever chemicals in the blood of residents from a Yorkshire town already linked to the UK’s worst PFAS contamination.

What was it really like to be at The Wild Summit in 2025? We’ve just published a first-hand reflection from someone who attended our inaugural event. Beth Mitton, Durham University alumni and environmental intern, shares their experience, highlights, and what made it stand out.

Today marks a major moment for how land in England is managed as the Government publishes its Land Use Framework 🌱 It’s a significant step forward but turning ambition into change for nature, climate & communities will be the true test. Read our response here: www.wcl.org.uk/ministers-ar...

Today the Government responded to the Nuclear Regulatory Review. While the most dangerous proposals to weaken the Habitats Regulations appear to have been avoided, many details are still to come.

The Wild Summit returns to @Bristol_Beacon on 9 September 2026 🎉 Join us as we move from ambition to action 🌱 Time is running out for nature. Be part of the movement, get your tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-wild-s... #WildSummitUK

#WildSummitUK is back this September! Tickets are available next week so keep your eyes peeled 👀

What would you rather? Polluted seas? Or clean, healthy, thriving seas that can be enjoyed by all?

A new water law is coming. Ministers know this is a once-in-a-generation chance to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas, but Government proposals don’t match the scale of the water crisis - yet. MPs have the power to decide.

40+ organisations have joined #CleanWaterNow to demand urgent government action for nature and people.

Clean water can’t wait. The Government must take action now for nature and people.

Biodiversity Net Gain is meant to protect nature. But right now, developers can skip it by ticking a box and writing a belief – not providing evidence. No proof. No checks. No fixes for nature. That’s the de minimis loophole – and it needs to go. Read more: www.wcl.org.uk/docs/BNG_no_...

We’re back at Number 10 Downing Street with the Time for Change coalition to hand in a petition with 36,000 signatures supporting a ban on trail hunting.

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a critical policy for securing nature’s recovery.

The Government has today released a disappointing Forever Chemical Action Plan which will leave people and nature exposed to forever chemicals The action plan does not address PFAS emissions at source but instead leans heavily on more monitoring and guidance.

Three years on from the Environmental Improvement Plan, ambition alone isn’t enough. Without nature, climate and sustainability embedded across education, green skills and nature recovery targets won’t be met. Read more in our blog here: wcl.org.uk/education-ma...

The largest water industry settlement is being paid for by customers, but what will it deliver for nature? Our latest blog explains why clearer, more transparent reporting on environmental outcomes is essential. Find the blog here: wcl.org.uk/clear-waters...

Government quietly released a report today. Just 3% of the most important habitat for wildlife is in good condition. This must change or wildlife will be lost forever. Don’t let this report slip under the radar: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/697206...

Everyone deserves clean water, now ‼️ The Water White Paper is out today with Government calling the proposals the “biggest overhaul in a generation”, but Wildlife and Countryside Link believe much more needs to be done. 🔗 Read our full statement here: www.wcl.org.uk/the-british-...

This Blue Monday, one thing is clear: connecting with blue spaces helps wellbeing and mental health. Not just today, but all year round. When these places are clean, safe, well-maintained and accessible, they offer powerful benefits for people and communities. How do blue spaces make you feel?

📣 Nature targets are not optional – they are the law 📜 Will this Government be the first ever to break the law by missing legally binding nature targets? The Office of Environmental Protection warns today that much more action is needed. 🔗Read more here: tinyurl.com/WCLresponse

🌱The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is back this June and will prioritise smaller farms. After a year of uncertainty for agriculture, this is a win - but government must now invest more and put nature first, not just for business as usual. 🔗Full response here: www.wcl.org.uk/farm-payment...

Christmas has come early for animals🎄🐾 We welcome the Government’s new ambitious Animal Welfare Strategy, with commitments to: ✅Transition away from cages for hens and mother pigs ✅ Introduce a closed season for hares ✅ Ban trail hunting

The Government has partially backed away from weakening Biodiversity Net Gain – but nature still loses out. Exempting developments under 0.2ha risks hollowing out one of England’s most important nature protections🐝🌱 1/4🧵

🚨 CODE RED FOR NATURE 🚨 We are worried that Gov will weaken Biodiversity Net Gain — or remove small sites entirely! Gutting BNG would: ❌ collapse investment ❌ stall nature recovery ❌ send a catastrophic signal to markets This cannot happen.

From carrier bag charges to bans on single-use plastics, we’ve made real progress in tackling marine litter — but the problem is far from over 🌊 💙 Catherine Gemmell, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Marine Conservation Society, reflects on what must happen next to protect our seas

🐬 4 years after going out for consultation the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy has been published.   📄 The final document lacks any new commitments from the UK Governments to reduce threats to dolphins, whales and porpoises.

Today we’ve joined with over 160 orgs to urge UK Gov to secure a healthier, fairer, more sustainable food system We’re united behind 3 priorities: 🌱 A joined-up food & farming plan 🌾 Nature-friendly farming 🥗 Healthy diets for everyone Read the letter here: www.wcl.org.uk/docs/Food_St...

England’s protected site system isn’t failing – it’s being failed. And the consequences for nature are severe ⤵️